Four Honored at Dominican Family Conference

Four people whose lives have been characterized by a profound commitment to service were honored October 22 at the Southern Dominican Family Conference, held in honor of the 800th Anniversary of the founding of the Order of Preachers, or Dominican Order.

“The Martin de Porres Award is awarded to persons whose lives exemplify the spirit of St. Martin de Porres, who serve the community and church, particularly the poor, sick and marginalized,” explained Fr. Tom Condon, OP, Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Martin de Porres (Southern Dominican Province).

“When I told each of these people that they were going to be presented this award, they each told me they didn’t think they were worthy of such an honor,” Fr. Condon told the conference attendees. “Which means they most certainly deserve this award.”

Each of the recipients were invited to make brief remarks upon receiving the award. Fr. Cadoré told the audience he would receive the award on behalf of the entire Dominican Order, urging all Dominicans — friars, sisters, laypersons, and associates — to continue to work to bring about a peaceful society. “It is possible to reverse divisions among the world using goodness,” he said.

Similarly, Sr. Reid accepted the award in the name of her particular congregation, the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids. “All that I have done…is only by the grace of God and through my Dominican family. And so, to use a common expression and make it my own, I accept it in the name of my family because it takes a family to raise a Dominican!”

Speaking in his native Spanish, Peruvian-born Fr. Gutierrez said, “Gifts are never deserved, but they are always welcomed.” He noted that he and St. Martin de Porres share a common bond — both were baptized in the same church in Lima, Peru. “Though not in the same year,” Fr. Gutierrez joked. He urged the assembly to not lose zeal in their work to bring relief to the underprivileged in society.

Lastly, Dr. Farmer accepted the award, noting that as a young man, he never cherished his family’s Catholic faith. Prior to entering Harvard Medical School, he explained, he traveled to Haiti where he first encountered poverty. There he read Fr. Gutierrez’ book about liberation theology, and was “hooked.” He credited Fr. Gutierrez for instilling in him a desire to see the face of God in the poor, which has propelled him to use his skill as a physician to serve the poorest of the poor throughout the world. “I am honored to count [Fr. Gutierrez] as a friend. Thank you for this honor and thank you Gustavo,” he said.

The awards were presented at the final dinner of the “Living our Legacy” Conference, a three-day gathering of Dominican friars, sisters, laity, and friends held in Dallas and hosted by the Province of St. Martin de Porres.